My wife loves her three Berninas (830E, 440QE, and 1008), but not for 1/4" piecing. For that, she loves her Pfaffs (2038,2058). What is the magic of the Pfaffs for piecing? It turns out that the secret is in the Pfaff feet. More specifically the 1/4" metal foot with guide #820541096 ($20 or so). However, it is a simple matter to convert any Bernina to use this foot and dramatically improve its 1/4" piecing to the Pfaff level or above.

You will need to purchase three parts. The first is the Bernina adapter shank #75 (standard $20)). Note: There are two versions of this adapter: One for the older Berninas and one for the modern machines (with needle threaders - check with your dealer). The second is a Pfaff low shank snap-on presser foot ankle #98-694886-00 ($10-20) for adapting the shank to the presser foot.

When using this setup with a 5.5 mm machine the 1/4" edge guide needs to just slide into the slot between the right edge of the feed dog and the stitch plate. You may need to bend the guide slightly to insure this. When the guide is adjusted properly neither the stitch plate or feed dog lifts it (cool!).

When using this on a 9 mm machine (eg. 8 series or 7 series) there is a machined slot in the middle of the right feed dog. Make sure the edge guide fits perfectly in this slot. Again, you may have to bend it slightly for a perfect fit, and that's it.

My wife now uses all five machines for piecing and claims that they give the same results. Now, however she now prefers to piece with the Berninas, because they now pull the material straight without any guiding! It may work for you too.

Curious husbands are priceless. I have one. Just ask and he will come up with a solution.

I don't always use the 1/4" foot with the shoulder as I occasionally have to fudge the edge and if there is extra fabric in the seam allowance the shoulder catches the excess fabric instead of floating over it.

Sometimes I use the walking foot, using the edge of the foot for the "guide" to keep the foot, fabric and feed dogs working together and set the needle position for the 1/4" seam allowance.

I still have one in my radar! I just might sell my Bernina Special Edition White Pearl and collect the Passport. While I would miss the knee lift I think I would get used to it. I assume the foot pedal does raise and lower the needle - does anyone know? The IDT would be wonderful for piecing.
Leslie

Really wanna have some fun? So many long-time Pfaff owners haven't a clue about their FC being able to do that...so you find one who doesn't know this, and you do it to their machine. They can't see what you did, all they see is the needle suddenly going up or down, and you haven't touched anything.

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